203 replies to this topic

[Romell R]

Just wanted to push this back up for anyone who may have missed it.

[Casey]

. now my only question is how do you deal with the interior side of the door and the door jambs?

That is the Catch 22 when making functioning doors. Once you cut the door (or trunk) free from the body, you create a lot more work for yourself. It all depends how accurate and true to the 1:1 vehicle you want it to be, but removing the doors is just the beginning. Are you going to add the body structure, to which the door hinges bolt, and which will be highly visible once the doors open? How about the jamb area, where the latch or striker bolt is bolted? Rocker panels? Don't forget you'll be able to see behind the front fenders now, too...

I don't think I've seen a better attempt at replicating scale functioning doors than Mark Gustavson's Mercari project in SAE years ago. The problem is parts and pieces in 1/25 scale are tiny and while opening the doors is a great idea, all of the work which goes along with doing just that is not all that fun.

Even kits which were designed to have opening doors simply skip over the rest of the details, and end up looking inaccurate when the doors are actually opened, IMHO.

I guess I'm of the opinion that if you're going to have functioning doors on a model, you shouldn't take the easy way out and ignore all the other work required for true scale accuracy.

[sjordan2]

My question is, with all the aftermarket suppliers out there who provide a multitude of parts, and with the frequency with which this issue is addressed among modelers, why are we left to figure this stuff out for ourselves? Why can't someone provide reasonably realistic hinging kits for this purpose? Seems like something that isn't that hard to design.

[MrObsessive]

My question is, with all the aftermarket suppliers out there who provide a multitude of parts, and with the frequency with which this issue is addressed among modelers, why are we left to figure this stuff out for ourselves? Why can't someone provide reasonably realistic hinging kits for this purpose? Seems like something that isn't that hard to design.

One reason is not every car uses the same type/style of hinges. Not to mention the different radii of various and sundry hinges to get them to work properly. A lot of what I do when making hinges is trial and error. I also like to have either a shop manual, or actual pics of the car I'm working on.

Some cars like street rods for instance have the same type of hinges (piano style), so they can be used pretty much universally. IIRC, the aftermarket makes piano hinges in various sizes for such builds. But more modern cars vary so much from door shape to hinge type-----it would be hard for an aftermarket guy to make one size fits all, and look correct in scale.

[MrObsessive]

That is the Catch 22 when making functioning doors. Once you cut the door (or trunk) free from the body, you create a lot more work for yourself. It all depends how accurate and true to the 1:1 vehicle you want it to be, but removing the doors is just the beginning.

You ain't kiddin'! And well said!





Those pics are from my stillborn '64 GTO..............The last pic I had yet to add a door catch. Yes, it can be time consuming to get the correct looking structure for door jambs-------but in the end it's worth it!

[rhs856]

Little Bump Back To The Top

You got me all excited! I thought the tutorial was up.

[Dlc]

Hey everyone, I am pretty new to modeling, Ive built 4 kits so far. I am currently working on a 67 Chevelle and I said I would try the door hinges on this one since Ive increased the detail in each car I build. I already wired the distributor on the engine. But I keep having problems with the door hinges, I just cant seem to get them working and Ive tried various steps Ive seen in the forum. Here are some pics of the progress. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[scbaker]

You are close ....
It looks to me like you are visualizing it like a real cars door hinge...your pivot point is where you are having the problem.

Try this link or search hood hinges... There a few good reference photos in there and the principal is the same. Also try smaller diameter tube and rod, it might help a little too.
It may take a few tries to get the bends correct so dont get frustrated ...

http://www.modelcars...ndpost&p=104058

Have fun...
S.

[Darren B]

You got me all excited! I thought the tutorial was up.

Me too

[Jon Cole]

I have two models; neither yet finished, that have cut open panels. The gap is dealt with by gluing scrap styrene to one side (vertical) edge, and one horizontal edge of the panel that was cut out. I forget if I used Plas-Struc(sp?) or Evergreen. A 1/16" square strip works. If the plastic needs to be "bent", soften it by coating it with liquid styrene cement... the solvents will do its job in just a few minutes. Once the glue dries, add a skim coat of filler (if needed), then sand down the new plastic to fit.
I'm no expert, so I hope I make sense with the description.

As for the hinges, too late for one model, but the other one... I want to try this "Gen. II" design.

[Romell R]

Hello i did a tutorial on just that subject heres a link to it hope you enjoy. http://www.modelcars...=1

Edited by Aftashox, 20 June 2011 - 07:23 AM.

[Romell R]

Just bumpin this one back up for those who wanted to know how to do hinges......

[Michigan Madman]

Too bad I didn't catch this one last week! Back to the drawing board, armed with this little tutorial!

[charlie8575]

Someday, I'll work up the requisite nerve to actually open doors, even if practicing on spare parts.

Great way to make this work, Romell.

Charlie Larkin

[Romell R]

Glad you could use it Chuck & Charlie

[William S.]

This is a great tutorial. I was sitting in my office and looked in my desk, this is what I built. You can get three sizes from one paper clip. Looking forward to cutting one of my models and trying this hinge. Thanks Romell!

[Romell R]

This is a great tutorial. I was sitting in my office and looked in my desk, this is what I built. You can get three sizes from one paper clip. Looking forward to cutting one of my models and trying this hinge. Thanks Romell!

Well there ya go William just use whatever you have at hand

[allparish12]

bump??

[Harry P.]

Has this tutorial had the world's looooooooooooooooooongest buildup or what?

[Darin Bastedo]

Has this tutorial had the world's looooooooooooooooooongest buildup or what?

Hmmmmm, between, working a job, driving back and forth from TN to Baltimore md three times a month, and taking care of my sweetie and our daughter, I've been able to squeeze in a little bit of building.